Assessing Yourself How Well Do You Use Technology to Manage Time? simple quiz to find out how well you use technology to save and manage time. Each of the following statements represents a simple yet tried-and-true method of time-saving technology. Rate yourself on each: If you practice the method regularly, give yourself a 3. Practice it sometimes, give yourself a 2. Practice it rarely, you get a 1. And if you never practice it, you receive a 0. Now, take a moment to complete the quiz

. 1. I skim professional journals via the web. 3 2 1 0

2. I send agendas, meeting minutes, assignment summaries, and other notices to co-workers and employees using e-mail. 3 2 1 0

3. I maintain working files in a single, readily accessible directory, enabling me to work on current projects whenever I have spare moments. 3 2 1 0

4. Using planning or spreadsheet software, I list and monitor objectives, strategies, and tasks necessary for the completion of my goals. 3 2 1 0

5. I group tasks related to each software package together and complete each group of related tasks at the same time. 3 2 1 0 6. I organize documents with an intuitive file structure. 3 2 1 0

7. I maintain a perpetual to-do list on a computerized task manager or in a special file, checking off items as they are completed. 3 2 1 0

8. Using numerical rankings in a spreadsheet, I analyze and identify priorities. 3 2 1 0

9. I maintain my calendar and other key information using portable digital technology. 3 2 1 0

10. I have software that maintains my key organizational resources, such as contacts, tasks, events, and crucial records. 3 2 1 0

11. I maintain "idea files" into which I post thoughts, jottings, and potential tasks. 3 2 1 0

12. I use e-mail to forward documents to co-workers. 3 2 1 0

13. I associate related files to each other with HTML links. 3 2 10

14. I consolidate web searches into a specific time of the day or week. 3 2 1 0

15. I conduct "offline" web searches to save time. 3 2 1 0

16. Through e-mail, discussion lists, and team software, I participate in virtual meetings. 3 2 1 0

17. Using shared directories, I post public files containing policies, forms, and other information regularly used by the people around me. 3 2 1 0

18. I transfer files from my office computer to my home or laptop, and vice versa. 3 2 1 0

19. I have begun using voice input to save keyboarding or personal dictating time. 3 2 1 0

20. I append the names of files with dates for easy retrieval. 3 2 1 0

21. I use my computer to send broadcast faxes and e-mails when appropriate. 3 2 1 0

22. I maintain a directory and bookmarks of commonly used reference materials. 3 2 1 0

23. I use shortcuts, such as templates and macros, to speed up my work. 3 2 1 0

24. I handle business transactions online. 3 2 1 0

25. I maintain financial data in a simple accounting program or, if appropriate, using spreadsheet or database software. 3 2 1 0 26. I maintain files for every person I work with, detailing meeting summaries, assignments, and other notes. 3 2 1 0

27. I automatically create multiple drafts of a document, noting relevant changes with each successive draft. 3 2 1 0

28. I automate correspondence and mailing functions using mail merge features. 3 2 1 0

29. I use spreadsheet software to prepare budgets, expense reports, statistical analyses, and other numerical data. 3 2 1 0

Now, total your score and figure out where you stand. If you rated between 75 and 90, congratulations! You are developing some outstanding time-saving technology skills. A rating between 50 and 74 means that you have learned a number of practical skills, and you are probably aware of the many ways technology can help you master time. Maintain your commitment to learn more. A rating below 50 means that you may have some catching up to do. If you find yourself in this category (and even if you do not) review the principles noted in this time quiz. Read up on the latest technology. Take a course or seminar to learn how you can better use these remarkable tools in your daily life.

1. Does technology help you manage your time? Why or why not?

2. Can some of these techniques, if misused, become time wasters?

3. Identify one of the technologies on this list that you have not used but plan to try (or one you would like to use more, or differently).

4. What do you need to do to improve your time management skills in order to be a supervisor in the future?

I need to know the answer for the last four questions!